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The 2022 season proved to be a frustrating one for the Green Bay Packers. Despite an 8-9 record, Green Bay’s season saw the highs and the lows, nearly sneaking into the playoffs thanks to a late season winning streak. After star wide receiver Davante Adams was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders during the offseason, questions arose about the direction of the team. Yet, the Packers re-signed their legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a three year, $150 million contract before the 2022 season and the expectations still remained high. 2022 proved to be an excellent measurement of the future of one of the NFL’s most successful franchises.
The Rookies Shine
The departure of Adams before the season left a glaring hole in the wide receivers room for the Packers. In return for Adams, the Packers acquired Las Vegas’s first and second-round picks. In what has turned out to be a solid draft haul for the Packers, a few rookies in particular stood out the most.
With the pick acquired from the Raiders, Green Bay went defense and selected linebacker Quay Walker from the University of Georgia. Despite getting an all-pro season from linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, Walker’s talent was too much to pass up and the Packers were rewarded. Walker ranked second among rookies with 75 tackles while leading the Packers team total with 75.
Despite a slow start to the season, the rookie grew into the position and showed the lateral quickness that had scouts eyes popping out during his time at Georgia. Walker was rewarded at the end of the season by being named to the All-Rookie team. With Campbell healthy, the two have formed a formidable duo for the Packers defense.
A Star Emerges
With Adams in Vegas, the Packers needed to address the massive hole left in his wake. The Packers went defense with their first-round picks and it wasn’t surprising when they selected North Dakota State’s Christian Watson. A freak athlete whose size and speed make him a big-time threat, Green Bay saw a potential star for Rodgers to throw to.
Watson’s introduction to the league started on the worst note possible, dropping a sure-fire touchdown pass from Rodgers on the first play of the first game of the season. After battling through injuries and drop issues, Watson fully announced his presence to the league in a home game against the Dallas Cowboys. Hauling in three touchdowns on 107 receiving yards, Watson finally showed the Packers and the league just how talented he is. He finished the season with seven total touchdowns and 611 receiving yards and is poised to have a breakout season in 2023.
In addition, rookies like wide receiver Romeo Doubs, linebacker Kingsley Enagbare and offensive lineman Zach Tom rounded out a very productive rookie class and will look to continue that production in the years to come.
Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love: Who is it going to be?
Another offseason, another waiting game for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. The 2022 season was not kind for the back-to-back MVP and by his standards, it was a down year. Entering the season with two rookie wide receivers, a new offensive coordinator and a mismatched offensive line, there was plenty of reason to expect a regression in Rodger’s numbers. The veteran finished the season with 3,695 passing yards, totaling 26 touchdowns while throwing the most interceptions since the 2010 season with 12. Solid numbers for any quarterback not named Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes.
The Packers are entering a crossroads with their quarterback room. On the one hand, they have one of the greatest to ever throw it still on the hook for a lot of money while they have Jordan Love sitting on the bench. The 2020 first-round pick has yet to see any type of consistent playing time, yet has looked rock solid in the brief appearances he has played. With rumors beginning to swirl about the hall of farmers future as the Packers quarterback, it is sure to be another gripping offseason saga.
What’s Next?
The offseason is a pivotal time for the Packers to gauge what type of changes need to be made. Outside of the quarterback situation, the Packers have holes to be filled. The safety position caused problems all year for the Packers secondary and a lack of secondary depth remains an issue. The 2023 offseason and draft should prove to be an excellent barometer for the future of this football team.
